Urticaria: Skin Disease that is More Nettling Than Dangerous

There are many skin diseases that can be recognized and treated by the affected individual himself when he is out of reach of a dermatologist or is unable to bear the cost of professional medical care. Of course, some skin diseases may be so uncommon or rare - at times even malignant - that only physicians or skin specialists are qualified to recognize and deal with them medically.

One type of skin disease that is considered more irritating than dangerous is urticaria, more commonly known as nettle rash or hives. Urticaria is a skin disease characterized by the appearance of reddish, intensely-itchy swellings (wheals) on the skin. This skin disease may be temporary and disappear within a few hours; but it may resolutely reappear for days or weeks, sometimes even longer, and each time at a new skin area.

In most cases, the cause of urticaria is allergy to food, insect stings, or drugs. Shellfish, eggs, certain nuts, beef, pork, and fish are some of the foods that may cause urticaria; wasp or bee sting may also cause the skin disease; and penicillin is the most common drug to which an individual may become highly susceptible. Protein substances, albeit rarely, may likewise cause urticaria. These include pollens, animal dander, molds and house dust. Still in other instances, urticaria may be brought about abruptly by exposure to sunlight, heat, cold, or even water. It is also possible that some unresolved emotional crisis can cause the problem.

If the specific cause of urticaria can be determined, future occurrences of the skin disease may be prevented by keeping away from that particular cause. Since urticaria, as earlier mentioned here, generally vanishes within a few hours, treatment may not be absolutely needed in most cases. In alleviating itching, the application of a thin paste of baking soda and water, or one-tenth of one percent solution of menthol in alcohol, may be helpful.

Note, however, that, in some cases, urticaria is accompanied by swelling around the lips, tongue, or even the throat. In such severe cases, breathing difficulties may develop, thus necessitating immediate medical attention. Doctors may prescribe antihistamines or steroids to treat persisting severe attacks of this skin disease. For example, they may prescribe a dilute solution of epinephrine, ephedrine, or a corticosteroid medication. But while the latter may be very effective in relieving urticaria, it may carry some vexatious side effects. For this reason, doctors use this type of medication only as an ultimate recourse for persisting cases.